No one wants to forget something.
Everyone ask... What do I need to take with me?
I have answered this question a few time, but my answers
get better as time passes.

When planning a long trip or vacation you need to be
prepared. This is my growing list of things that I think
should be in your backpack before you leave. You may
be able to buy these things once you arrive, but I have found
it better to buy before you leave. Most other things you can
buy easily and are not essential.

1. ALARM CLOCK
Get one that winds up. The battery ones are nice, but the batteries
will corrode and the time you really need the battery to work it will
not. Try to buy the type of alarm that is enclosed inside a box, and you have
to open it to use. It will not break as easy.

2. ZIP-LOCK BAGS
One gallon zip-lock bags are indispensable. I use them for so many
thing. Bring at least 50. The uses for them are so numerous I will soon write
a tip on all the ways I use them.

3. CAMERA
You can purchase a camera in any country I visited. But it will probably
not be the camera you wanted. For a better selection and something that
fits your needs buy one at home. The disposable cameras do not work.
Make sure to buy an extra battery or two if the battery is special.
Special batteries are hard to find while traveling.

4. MONEY BELT
There are money belts for your waist. I use a passport holder that hangs
around my neck. There are a few made for your leg. They should have a
waterproof compartment that can hold your passport and plane tickets
and keep it dry. A money belt will not keep you from getting robbed.
It just makes it more difficult.

5. BIKE LOCK
Try to find a lock that is used with a key. Do not use a combination
lock because you will not be able to see the numbers when
trying to open in the dark backpacker hotels. The best type of lock will
be about 5 inches long and able to reach between to spots
very far apart. There is a pictures included at the end to see.

6. MEDICINE BOTTLES.
Empty medicine bottle, vitamin, or small plastic bottles.
Never carry glass unless you absolutely have too. They bottles
can be use to protect small objects like rings, or perfume bottles.
They are also great to carry spices, salt, and pepper.

7. BOOKS
I carry about 6 books. I find that I will be able to find books
to exchange fast enough with this quantify. This is very heavy
and not for everyone. If you read one to two books per week
this is the amount needed to have a constant supply until you
can trade for more. Make sure you always trade quickly.
You never know where you will see your next book in your
language.

8. GUIDEBOOK.
Buy one for the continent. I do not think the ones for the country
are not worth the money unless you are only visiting one country.
It is very difficult to buy guidebooks in the underdeveloped countries
although if you go to big hostel you can sometimes trade.

9. EARPLUGS
These underdeveloped countries never have control on noise. You may not
be able to sleep because of fire crackers, horns, or the loud neighbors
doing all sorts of strange things. I find them especially helpful on
buses where the drivers always thinks the music should be on maximum day and
night. Make sure have about 3 pairs, and store them in different
locations. Test them before you leave.

10. TWIST TIES
Packing and unpacking your stuff. That is what you will do all the time.
The bread ties that are made of paper and steel that close up a
bag of bread are perfect to close up plastic bags. There are tons of
uses, to help secure things. Whether to fix the curtain in your room,
or to reseal the cheese to keep the ants out, there is always a use.

ADDENDUM: Added since sent in letter
originally sent.

11. BED SHEET STRAPS - 2 SETS OF 4
In a world that does not have fitted sheets.
There is an elastic device that looks like garter straps. This is used
to hold flat type sheets on a bed.
Photos:
https://www.hobotraveler.com/130london01.shtml

12. A thermometer to tell the temperature. In
most tropical places you cannot buy this for some reason.

13. Men's underwear and socks. It is very
difficult to buy in other countries. Make sure you have adequate.
Added: December 4, 2003 in Margao, India - State of Goa

14. MAP - This is a must if you are an
adventure and off the beaten path is your goal They do not seem to sell good
maps in the country you may wish to visit. Buy the best road map you can find of
the whole country if you want to know everything. But the guidebooks are great
if you just want to stay on the path. Internet maps are great for cities, but
not for countries. By the time I would find a map inside the country it would be
time to leave.
Added: December 27, 2003 in Hampi, India - State of Goa

Last but not least....
TOILET PAPER

You can buy it anywhere, but when
you need it the most
you will not have it. Carry some along. You never know what
new surprises for a hobo in that underdeveloped country.

PHOTOS

Maybe it will help you to...
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.

X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!

Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com

As always, these are suggestions. Please realize I am
giving guidance, and there are always other opinions.
“One mans paradise, is another mans hell”
This way we do not all go to the same place.

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Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 4 of Hobo trip around the world.
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